HEIGHTS — With the expected hot and humid weather continuing through the middle of the week, the city is making several of its senior and recreational centers available as cooling centers.

Temperatures are expected to peak in the low to mid-90’s, coupled with moderate to higher levels of humidity. Residents who are adversely affected by the heat and do not have access to air conditioning are welcome to visit these facilities for temporary relief.

These extreme conditions can cause heat-related illnesses – particularly with young children, seniors, overweight people and those who are ill or on certain medications. City officials encourage all residents to take a few basic precautions:

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.

• Avoid strenuous outdoor work.

• Wear lightweight clothing.

• Pace yourself.

• Stay cool indoors. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit a public building (such as those listed above), a shopping mall or other public building.

• Take cool showers or baths.

• Check on elderly, disabled or ill friends and relatives regularly.

• Do not leave children or pets in parked cars.

Under these conditions, heat stroke can occur quickly. Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature that exceeds 103 degrees, lack of sweating, rapid pulse, headache, nausea, confusion and even unconsciousness. If someone is suffering from these symptoms, health officials recommend to cool the victim rapidly (to 101 or 102 degrees), and place a call to 911 for immediate health care.

Pet owners also should be mindful to protect their pets from the extreme heat by keeping them out of direct sunlight and hot environments as much as possible – and making sure they have plenty of cool drinking water at all times.

For more information on coping with the heat, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp